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Not Genuine, Questionable Authenticity and Authenticity Unverifiable

The following policy applies to submission of coins to NGC, except for ancient coins which have separate guidelines regarding authenticity.

An authenticity review is conducted on all coins submitted to NGC for certification that are eligible for NGC encapsulation. If the authenticity review indicates that the coin is genuine, we will grade and encapsulate it in accordance with NGC procedures and our regular grading fee will apply. If the authenticity review indicates that the coin is counterfeit, it will be labeled NOT GENUINE and our regular grading fee will apply.

If, after conducting the authenticity review, we believe we will not be able to ascertain authenticity even if further research is conducted, we will cease further work, label the coin QUESTIONABLE AUTHENTICITY and refund the fee, less a $5.00 processing charge.

If, after conducting the authenticity review, we cannot definitely ascertain authenticity but feel that further research is warranted, then we will conduct additional research, which may involve consultation with third parties. This will result in one of three outcomes:

If the further research indicates that the coin is genuine, we will grade and encapsulate it in accordance with NGC procedures, and our regular grading fee will apply.

If the further research indicates that the coin is counterfeit, it will be labeled NOT GENUINE, and our regular grading fee will apply.

If, after conducting the further research, we still cannot definitely ascertain authenticity, we will label the coin AUTHENTICITY UNVERIFIABLE, and our regular fee will apply.

Coins Not Suitable for Certification

On occasion, NGC will return a coin as NOT SUITABLE FOR CERTIFICATION. This is used for coins that are severely damaged or otherwise impaired. The surface condition of these coins makes it impossible for NGC to render a conclusive opinion about authenticity, Details Grade or both. When a coin is determined to be NOT SUITABLE, NGC will refund the grading fee, less a $5.00 processing charge.